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Newport News, Va. - The City of Newport News Division of Historic Services & Museums, The Mariners' Museum, The Casemate Museum, the City of Newport News, and the

Ramada Inn & Suites at Oyster Point have partnered to offer "The War by Land and Sea: The 1862 Peninsula Campaign", a three-day group-tour of Civil War area attractions. Relive a number of historic battles along Virginia's historically rich Peninsula, experience foods and entertainment of the South, view the watery arena that hosted numerous naval battles, and take in museum exhibits featuring Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other period artifacts.

"'The War by Land and Sea' tour will enable historic travelers to explore some of the greatest fortificaions, learn about dramatic battles, and examine the technology that redefined warfare," said John V. Quarstein, City of Newport News Division of Historic Services & Museums administrator, and noted local Civil War author. "The Virginia Peninsula provides travelers with insights into every aspect of the Civil War, certainly one of the most powerful events in American history."

Groups participating in "The War by Land and Sea" spend two nights in the Ramada Inn Suites in Newport News and three days taking guided tours through Civil War history. The itinerary includes:

Friday Evening

After checking in to the Ramada Inn & Suites, you'll travel back in time to the Boxwood Inn where you will be their guests for the evening. Built in 1896, the Boxwood Inn served as a hotel for soldiers during World Wars I and II. Sample wonderful tastes of the South while enjoying a Civil War-themed "Plantation Dinnertainment" for an extraordinary dining experience that brings history to life.

Saturday

Enjoy a complete buffet breakfast at the hotel before departing with your personal guide to visit the Virginia War Museum. Tour through displays documenting America's wars from 1775 to the present. The museum also offers themed exhibits such as the Axis Powers, propaganda posters, the evolution of weaponry, and women and minorities in the armed forces.

From the Virginia War Museum you will travel to the MonitorMerrimack Overlook, home to the famous battle of the USS MONITOR and CSS VIRGINIA. You will also see Northrop Grumman Newport News (formerly Newport News Shipbuilding), home and creator of many great warships. Your next stop will be the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe, which portrays the history of Fort Monroe and the Coast Artillery Corps in exhibits including weapons, uniforms, models, and drawings by Frederick Remington and R.F. Zogbaum. The Casemate Museum also plays an important role as the Army's Coast Artillery Museum. …